ClearedHot

Thread revival... Besides me, mho is going to be at the show? Hacker? [ 27. August 2005, 09:00: Message edited by: Clearedhot ]

SEFE = Stan Eval Flight Examiner

Snake, I was never an ATC/AETC EP (thank god), I was a SEFE for an Operational Wing and my picture was always calibrated on sending folks into combat. I was always known as a Santa Claus, except when it came to stuff that could get you or those around you killed. I always had a few hip pocket questions that would force folks to look into the regulations and think about what they were doing, i.e. Trouble-T, TOLD, Munitions Limits. In the case I spoke about earlier, the pilot getting the check ride finally looked at me and said “I don’t know”, when asked what system to use in an emergency. That person was upgrading to mission ready Aircraft Commander and had zero clue about half the systems on the aircraft. Unacceptable in my mind, but that is just me.

I will disagree with you on this one Snake. I’ve only busted one person for a ground eval and it was well deserved. I would never bust a bro because he spelled a word wrong it put a period in the wrong spot. However, I have done a ground eval and as we statrted talking systems, it became blatantly clear that this person did NOT know the aircraft. I am not talking about obscure trivia like the only edible part of the aircraft, I am talking about basic system function and proper ways to handle an emergency, i.e. which system to turn on/off.

Looking at my post where does it reference the C-17 crew was taking short-cuts? It was a general statement about leadership and why the USAF tends to be conservative when holding people accountable. I don't know the details of this incident, as I was not there. The way it has been presented sounds like it is a bit unfair to the AC, but again, I was not there. Is it fair to the entire crew when a Flight Engineer is using a non-standard method to feed the fuel system, the engines flame out and most of the crew dies? Is it fair when Dash-2 turns the wrong direction and hits lead, killing both of them? Is it fair when the Nav screws up and flies the crew into a box canyon and they all die? Is it fair when the Pilot is showing off and plows a B-52 into the dirt? Some of them honest mistakes but all with the same outcome. If you want fair, you might want to check with Judge Judy, but things are different when it comes to flying. I am not trying to be harsh or mean, but sometimes it is like Bruce Hornsby says, "Thats just the way it is". [ 22. August 2005, 07:20: Message edited by: Clearedhot ]

No it means you need to set an environment where people pay attention to checklists and accomplishing their duties in the correct manner. Taking short-cuts, or tolerating breaches in air disciple is one of the easiest ways to get yourself or those on your crew killed, especially in combat. [ 22. August 2005, 07:09: Message edited by: Clearedhot ]

It's a tough situation and I can certainly see the arguments for both sides. I've seen situations where other members were given a Q-3 and the AC escaped, when in my opinion he should just as responsible as the others. Ultimately, it's part of the game you have decided to play and the rules are not always fair. It happens more often than you would think. Take for example a squadron commander who takes care of his troops and trusts his people to do the right thing. Then one jackass does something stupid like a gross deviation in flight discipline and a plane gets bent or worse yet someone gets hurt. Odds are the SQ/CC is toast, even though he would never tolerate that type of behavior. Checkrides and leadership are not always easy things. I've given a lot of checkrides and I always asked myself one question at the end of the day, "Would I go into combat with this person?". With that in mind on occasion I've overlooked a stupid mistake that could have been a legitimate bust. I've also been a part of a situation when the person got a SQ/CC directed Q-3 when I thought he should have lost his wings. I know this seems unfair, and in this day and age, leadership is always going to play it on the conservative side. I wish I had a better answer for you but it is one of the tough parts of the job.

In line with reviving this thread here is a little video to place Combat Proud in it's proper place. Combat Proud

The fighter cross-flow program has come and gone several times through the years. Next time there is a shortage look for the to fire it back up.

Put that picture on your profile, putting something like that in here will give an old fart major like me a heart attack if I'm not expecting it. Rainman or M2, can I borrow some of your Viagra?

As luck would have it, I will be in town...

One piece size 12?

Ok Michaela, here you go, try it on.

DT, Do I need to fly down to Navarre and bring you a beer? I'll be down the week of the 27th to brief Folkerts...is Juanna's back open?

Here is a thought...A gallery with hot chicks wearing Baseops.net gear. In fact you could turn it into a small contest...who can find the hotest chick to wear the gear and take a pic. Michaela...you first. [ 12. August 2005, 11:07: Message edited by: Clearedhot ]

Yeah...What he said.

Where are your troops and may I count them?

A few years back a retried MSgt took the time to write a nasty note to the local paper telling everyone there was no reason what-so-ever for AFSOC aircraft to be practicing low-level flying. He was extra pissed that they were flying over his NEWLY built house in the middle of the night. Hey jackass, the range has been there for 60 years, the low-level routes have been there for 30+ years, just because you bought some land an threw up a crackhouse doesn;t mean the world stops spinning.

They took it down, I got it this morning from that site.

I can play it but can't save the video. Anyone else able to save it? [ 30. July 2005, 10:55: Message edited by: Clearedhot ]

I still get nervous ticks when I think about the comm I heard every time..."With PID and CDE, cleared to release."

I'm sure you do. All the guys I've worked with in OEF and OIF took their jobs seriously. They were the sh!t AND they were my friends. I am not bad rapping them or any other ground JTAC here. All I'm saying is that sometimes guys on the ground get excited and the pilots need to slow it down if it starts to feel a little out of control. I will also add that often pilots show up and just want to clean the wings. That is a dangerous attitude. They need to be told to safe 'em up and RTB.

Spending the night in Tampa so I can brief one of the muckity mucks at SOCOM. These tanker boys got it made. It's been a while since I've RONed here and the place looks great. New housing, new facilities everywhere and they even program the rental cars for you. I got in mine and it went right to Mons Venus.

That is not what was briefed to CSAF.

Four 38's from SPS were doing a flyover in DC, told by approach to stay over the river. They deviated east of the river and flew over VPOTUS residence...DOH! [ 22. July 2005, 18:59: Message edited by: Clearedhot ]